Israeli Hospital Strike In Gaza Kills 15, Including Four Journalists

Israeli authorities have not yet responded to the deaths of the media personnel.

Gaza officials report that at least 15 individuals, including four journalists employed by international news organizations, died in an Israeli attack on a hospital in southern Gaza.

The strike at Nasser Hospital claimed the lives of a Reuters cameraman and an Associated Press journalist, among others. A third journalist reportedly worked for Al Jazeera.

According to the Hamas-run Civil Defence, multiple fatalities occurred during the first strike, with additional deaths resulting from a subsequent attack that took place while rescue operations were underway.

Both the Israeli military and the prime minister’s office stated they had no immediate response.

Footage from the location reveals gray smoke rising from an upper floor showing visible damage at what serves as the primary medical facility in southern Gaza.

The area outside shows people running and shouting in pandemonium, with ambulance sirens audible in the background.

One video captures another strike occurring as a physician displays bloodstained clothing to reporters.

Reuters confirmed that its cameraman, Husam al-Masri, was among the fatalities.

The Associated Press identified Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old freelance journalist working for the organization, as another victim. AP expressed being “shocked and saddened” by her death.

Related: Three British Citizens Were Killed By An Israeli Strike In Gaza

Additional casualties included Mohammed Salameh, who worked for Al Jazeera, and photographer Muath Abu Taha, employed by American television network NBC.

The Civil Defence reported 15 total deaths, including one of its own personnel, according to AFP news agency.

This Monday incident follows another attack from two weeks prior that killed six journalists, four of whom worked for Al Jazeera, in an Israeli targeted strike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The United Nations human rights office denounced the attack, describing it as a serious violation of international law.

The Israel Defense Forces stated they had targeted Anas al-Sharif, a prominent Al Jazeera correspondent, claiming he had “served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas”.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, a prominent organization advocating for press freedom, stated that Israel had not provided supporting evidence for these claims.